One of the more novel ways to preserve wood while adding a unique look is calledshou sugi ban.
Its an ancient wood treatment technique using fire.
What Is Shou Sugi Ban?
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The fire chars the wood, turning the top layer into black ash, but only lightly so.
The practice originated in Japan and has been used for hundreds of years there and across the world.
One end of the hose attaches to a propane tank.
Its flame is low, gentle, and easy to manage.
Safety Considerations
With shou sugi ban, there is the distinct possibility of the wood catching fire.
Always do this work outside and in the open air.
You should stay well away from structures or anything that can flammable.
However, always have afire extinguisherand water nearby as an additional precaution.
Do not use a butane torch.
Allow wood treated with the shou sugi ban technique to completely cool down before use.
Have the fire extinguisher and water nearby.
Light the Torch
Turn on the valve from the propane tank.
Press the grip handle of the garden torch.
Light the nozzle with the kitchen lighter.
Char the Wood
Wave the flame across the surface of the wood.
Go lightly at first.
Keeping the flame farther away from the wood produces less charring but the charring is more evenly distributed.
Working slowly, a 6-foot by 6-inch board will be perfectly charred in about five minutes.
Brush Charring From the Wood
Put on the dust mask.
Use the brush to wipe off the charred wood from the board.
Brush in the direction of the wood grain.
Tip
Start gently when brushing the wood.
With enough force, it’s possible to brush away too much of the charred material.
When you start gentle, you might always increase the force if needed.
Wash the Boards
Set the boards at an angle.
Pour water across the faces of the boards, from top-down.
This helps to cool the boards down and cleans off more of the charring.
Seal the Boards With Oil
Let the boards thoroughly dry for a day or two.
Apply linseed oil ormineral oilto the charred surface of the boards with a paintbrush.
Let the oil soak in before using the boards.
Be careful when handling the boards because the charred material may smudge clothing or other materials.
